The Hip Preists / Scumbag Millionaire / Flash House / TNS – The Black Heart Camden, London 08.11.24

The Hip Preists / Scumbag Millionaire / Flash House / TNS – The Black Heart Camden, London 08.11.24

Well, the night finally arrived half hoping it was a twisted joke and a massive prank but alas it wasn’t to be and true to their word The Hip Priests were about to pull the plug on their Ten Legged Rock Machine and sign off with a doubleheader in London and Nottingham. A sold-out Black Heart was the venue hosting the slow death of garage punk rock as we’ve known it for the last eighteen years and thankfully it was a sell-out as the faithful gathered to witness was to be a bitter night as we said goodbye in style to shit Islands finest most uncompromising exponents of loud zero fucks given, bastards sons and torch bearers of Lemmy, Ron Ashton and the MC5s just louder snivelling limey misfits.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen them over the years and all the lineups I’ve witnessed from Garry in his vest with Lee Love and his pork pie hat to skintight Tim, Lee and Austin playing slugfest without Von Cruz to another Slugfest which might well have been Von Cruz first gig or near enough where they potentially were never to be seen again after joining Ketamine Jesus’ cult to the ill fated Rebellion booking then covid to tonight and the farewell to the believers and zero fucks given to the haters or those who chose to not invest time or effort in the music..those who know know and we are the ones better off for giving a shit about this travelling circus of outsiders who just so happened to play some fucking awesome Garage punk rock n roll loudly.

Anyway on with the show. First up tonight were the former Bitch Queens Mel and Harry now fronting the hybrid rock n tecno Eurotrash by the name of the New Saints who played an impressive hardcore set of intense digital beats n techno tweaks mixed with Mels less Paul and Harry on vocals. Now it’s early days and I’d not heard many songs yet but this was half of Bitch Queens who rocked like fuck so whilst getting acquainted with the new direction I’m sure there will be more RPM column inches dedicated to these cut-off-wearing reprobates. If you’re looking for a reference point maybe a distorted hybrid of classic Alice Cooper meets Depeche Mode playing Turbonegro on Creaming Jesus’ stereo in between some Leather nun offcuts (imagine that whilst tripping your tits off) you might be heading in the right direction ‘No Hope’ is a banger.

They were followed by long-time stage sharers who happen to have some new music in the off but didn’t bring any to flog (the lazy sods). Flash House play an uncompromising brand of Motorhead meets Zeke meets The Hip Priests meets a dozen other noisy motherfuckers with a hard-rockin’ Roy Wood on lead guitar and vocals which is fantastic if you get it and I do. As the place got busy and the temperature got higher their wall of noise got more intense and it was great to hear the band after several years off the scene in fact the last time I might have been in the same venue as them was the pipeline supporting The Hip Priests at Deathtime Assembly and they haven’t changed a bit and nor should they. The world needs more Flash House. ‘Three Wise Monkeys’ is still a fuckin brutal killer track any day of the week.

Thankfully I found the air con and didn’t feel like I was about to crash and burn and turn into a puddle of sweat just in time for Sweden’s Scumbag Millionaire to take the compact confines of The Black Heart stage. The audience squeezed closer as the Swedes turned in a really impressive hard rockin’ piano tonkin set of killer high voltage rock n roll. I even took some real cash money (remember that?) to pick up some wax goodies from the merch booth but alas they also forgot to put copies of their records in with their y fronts n snakeskin boots ho hum it’s import taxes and high postage then because they’ve released some killer records over the years and this was a first time tonight for me and popping my Scumbag virginity was a sweet thing and they were every bit as impressive as I’d hoped they’d be.

With a sweaty packed out room they hammered out the keys and rocked like a beast and I only hope it’s not the last time I get to see them hit these shores. With a catalogue almost as impressive as tonight’s headliners There was so much to choose from and their set flew by as the band played faster and harder knowing that time was of the essence but if you’re going to have top-notch support bands then this line-up tonight was truly spectacular and very much appreciated and the audience was totally into Swedens finest. So until next time that’ll do very nicely it was like going back to when ‘Supershitty’ and ‘Total 13′ were forces to be reckoned with and the added keyboards were excellent. A top headline rockin’ band is Scumbag Millionaire you should check them out!

Right the time has come and some are emotional and some are playing it down but everyone will admit to being a little excited as to how this is going to unfold and how this machine will be terminated and the life support switched off. As I mentioned in my introduction I’ve been fortunate enough to have witnessed the band quite early in their journey and through many changes, especially the spinal tap like drummer situation and the amount of time we thought this is it the ladder has been dropped and the ascension to fame and fortune is around the next bend, as the fairly decent people of shit island catch up but alas, its all taken its toll and the latest EP, ‘We Become Nothing’ pressed on 10″ wax is to be the final nail in a bulging coffin of zero fuck given.

I wasn’t really bothered what tonight’s set consisted of or if any former members would get up n play I just wanted to have a good time and see the band kick ass and go out on top form still giving zero fucks but leaving a good-looking corpse. From the early songs dished out from ‘The Best Revenge’ through ‘Sha Na Nihilist’ followed by a breakneck version of ‘Gang Of One’ they weren’t messing about and tonight was already shaping up to be something special.

It was ironic that Von Cruz had trouble with the mic for ‘Zero Fucks Given’ but it didn’t matter at all it sounded great and the Spasm Gang were in fine voice anyway. I have to admit by the time they broke into ‘No Time’ they seemed to step it up a gear and this was one of those special moments you get from time to time and the full ten-minute marathon was more like a sprint with the minutes flying by and another memorable moment watching the Hip Priest was just locked in. Truly spectacular I’m glad I spent three figures on train fares and an overnight stay in a shitty over priced London Hotel I wouldn’t want to miss this for anything.

By the time we reached ‘Young Savage’ and Austin and Lee had said their goodbyes it did get a little emotional and there was still time to take it back and give it one last shot I know a room in Camden where the entire audience would be delighted with that choice.

We were done the band shuffled off the compact stage only to return and knock out ‘Sonic Reproducer’ and finally they went nuclear one last time for me on ‘Juiced’ and that was it Ronnie Spector filled the PA with her and Joey Ramones cover of ‘Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory’ and it was done we filed out of the sweaty upstairs room one last time and all disappeared into the smokey Camden Night air knowing we’d seen shit Islands mother fucker superiors one last time. They came they saw and they fuckin delivered time after time. It’s been emotional gentlemen now all please fuck off and make more music with other people and never ever darken our venues again with The Black Denim Blitz.

Eighteen years is a fuckin life sentence, there have been Spasm Gang members who didn’t make it and they were remembered with some fitting words, this little gang grew into a much larger gang it wasn’t of one but many but we were all united by one, one great underappreciated, noisy, fast, obnoxious, uncompromising, DIY, punk rock band Rest In Peace You Hip Priests – you beautiful bastards. Long Live The Mother fuckin’ Hip Priests! It was emotional and we shared some great times that can never be taken away but we still have the music. Play it loud and play it often brothers and sisters we were the lucky ones just remember that.

Author: Spasm Gang Member #3 signing out.

Some Pics courtesy of King Thomas Spasm Gang #100

Continental Lovers – ‘Self-titled’ (Cadiz Music/Real Vision Records)

Continental Lovers – ‘Self-titled’ (Cadiz Music/Real Vision Records)

Regular readers will need no introduction to Joe A Maddox and his merry men. Over the last couple of years, he’s been busy writing and developing his Continental Lovers from a project to a full band. In that respect, he shares some common ground with his ex-Breakdowns band mate Matt Julian, now of The Speedways.

One of the downsides of living in France is that I’m unlikely to see the Lovers boys on a stage any time soon. However, you lucky people can see them across the UK supporting Spike’s Quireboys and The Dogs D’amour in Nov/December, as well as performing some headline gigs.

Of the 13 tracks here, you may already be familiar with previous releases, such as ‘Tape Deck’ which well and truly kicks things off. “Take a C90 and put it in your tape deck..” There’s a hint of The Vapors, a whiff of 1979, which is fine by me. If they’d been around at the time, I’d probably have had ‘Continental Lovers’ scrawled on my pencil case.

‘St. Joan’ is their punchy tribute to Ms Jett, you can almost smell the black leather, while ‘Really Doesn’t Matter’ is two minutes of power pop that is reminiscent of early Cheap Trick and The Speedways, so, quite a treat. ‘Paraffin Lips’ and ‘Tattered Star’ have already done the rounds chez moi, short stabs that are fun to return to, but I’m really absorbed in the new songs, particularly ‘Connection’, which will give The Dogs D’amour a run for their money on the upcoming tour. With the legendary (round here) Willie Dowling providing keyboards and knob twiddling (in the studio), they’ve thrown everything at this tune; castanets, handclaps and a solo worthy of J D Bradfield, and it works in their favour.

‘Make Up Your Mind’ will keep Uncle Dom Daley happy in the cover version quota, a faithful take on the Stiv Bators classic. ‘Outta Sight’ throws a little Buzzcocks into the mix with the melody line solo. “These Lovers are outta sight” is their motto, young and full of it, as is only right. They also make the effort to look like a band, which people seem embarrassed to do nowadays. Flaunt it!

‘Wedding Song’ and ‘The Girl’ offer a more introspective, acoustic sound. Quality melancholy, with shades of Tom Petty. ‘Dale Arden’ is an ode to Flash Gordon’s paramour/heroine of the silver screen, another addictive tune, while ‘Let’s Go Out Tonight’ flys by in a blur of Ramones-style intent.

Available on digital platforms from 15th November, the CD is out on 13th December via Cadiz Music/Real Vision Records. Check their Facebook page for the upcoming tour dates, folks. These songs were made to be played live, so don’t miss out. You’re gonna love it.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles, release Album & Single

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles, release Album & Single

The Party Punk Darlings of Madrid, AmyJo Doh & The Spangles, release their new album, Spangle Landia, through Strap Originals on Friday 8th November on Red Vinyl, CD and digital download. It is available to order Here. A new single, Rock n’ Roll, is released the same day.

AmyJo Doh says of Rock n’ Roll: “This was originally called ‘Despedida Rock N Roll’… for me personally this is a goodbye to the past. The old fears and shadows and the parts of that person that no longer serve us. Whatever you are saying goodbye to, let’s give them a good squeeze, thank them for the lessons learned and then kiss them goodbye! No hard feelings! Just a lot of love, and of course…. A lotta LOTTA rock and roll!”

The video for Rock n’ Roll, directed by Pablo Lopez, is a performance video with the song’s narrative brought to life by Spanish actress Raquel Saiz. Rock n’ Roll is the second single along with Arise to be lifted from the album.

In true Spangle style, the album brings together various EPs and members of the extended Spangle family, yet the energy and message remain coherent. It’s an eclectic mix of great songs which explore themes of love, rebellion, personal freedom, …and Jamón. The band remains unapologetically versatile. As AmyJo says, “Punk is not a musical style, it’s an attitude…..Every song is a universe in its own right.” 

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles have toured with The Libertines and Peter Doherty and will be announcing tour dates and festival appearances shortly. In the meantime, they will be playing the following shows in Spain:

NOVEMBER

16th Madrid – Vermut en FunHouse
DECEMBER

13th Madrid – Sala Siroco
FEBRUARY

20th Madrid – La Corriente
MARCH

1st Zaragoza – Sala Creedence

21st Valencia – Sala Black Note

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles were formed in 2016 and inhabiting the beautiful, sometimes grubby streets of Madrid, they have quickly become a force to be reckoned within the underground scene. Led by the dynamic AmyJo Doherty, Peter Doherty’s older and on occasions, wiser sister, they released their debut album, Calle de Spangles, in 2018 and have since carved out a unique space for themselves with their eclectic sound and captivating stage presence. AmyJo’s music is an exciting blend of punk, rock, and indie, infused with her distinctive voice and powerful lyrics.

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles’ message is a joyful one and they want to share it live and LOUD! So, listen to the album, buy it, sing it, and share it; but whatever you do, don’t miss their show when it comes to town. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.  

The Spangles are: AmyJo Doherty (vocals) David Lancho (guitar) German Moderno (bass) Matty Tyack (drums)

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Jim Jones Allstars – Earl Haig, Cardiff 06.11.24

Jim Jones Allstars – Earl Haig, Cardiff 06.11.24

The second time I’ve seen The Allstars in the Earl Haig this year and about the umpteenth time I’ve seen Jim Jones in one guise or another and I keep going back and each time they seem to get better and better. With a new drummer Lawrence joining the All-Stars tonight for the first time you’d never have guessed and to be fair to him he grasped the opportunity with both hands (quite literally) and led from the..back.

In Allstars time-honoured fashion we begin proceedings with a quick instrumental right lets get you on your feet first few minutes then bosh! let’s go. Tonight we had several new songs as well as a romp through Jim’s back catalogue as well as plenty of covers both familiar and most welcome new additions to the repertoire. ‘

Its always a welcome sound hearing an impeccable ‘Human Fly’ and Jones does a sterling job honouring the sadly departed Lux but the real trump card of this lineup is the horns, never mind the honkingly good piano or the more traditional Bass, guitars and drums combo. the horn section is exceptional and hearing them literally tearing up songs like the epic and groovy Thee Hypnotic classic ‘Shakedown’ is a truly beautiful thing.

The hour and some when the band were on stage the near-capacity hall was having a blast as ‘Run Run Run’ honoured the Velvet Undergrounds whilst the revue tunes raised the temperature ‘Burning Your House Down’ is always a welcome romp as is the Righteous Minds ‘Satan Got His Heart Set On You’.

It’s the newer Allstar cover of the funky ‘Troglodyte’ that works up a sweat before ‘The Greatest Love’ eases the heart rate for five minutes whilst the band are put through their paces before having some ‘Rock n Roll Psychosis’ take us to the encore.

The briefest interlude is had before the band is called back to the stage and The Beatles ‘Me And My Monkey’ gets its collective groove on. The familiar ‘Big Bird’ slinks into view before we have one last hurrah and it’s done. Another night of awesome Rock n Roll courtesy of Jim Jones Allstars now let’s get off the road thank you very much and get this follow-up album in the can and in my gruby hands and then we can do this all again next year thank you very much. Jim Jones Allstars is an honest and fair reflection of what’s on offer. If there was a better show in town this midweek evening then I never knew about it and I was fully aware that Nick Cave was down the road but I’m confident I had the better deal Hell Yeah! another phenomenal night of Raw, unadulterated, top-class Rock n Roll.

Author: Dom Daley

The Virginmarys –  ‘The House Beyond The Fires’ (Self Release)

The Virginmarys –  ‘The House Beyond The Fires’ (Self Release)

“There ain’t no future, Halle-fuckin-lujah!” Spits Ally Dickaty two songs into the magnificent new opus from Macclesfield duo The Virginmarys. That diatribe sums up the frustration, the anger and the pent-up aggression of not just a small-town northern band, but the collective of a whole generation who face an uncertain future in 2024. 

Right now feels like a time where bands with something to say will shine. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ren, Delilah Bon and Bob Vylan, The Virginmarys join a whole host of artists who are pissed off and shouting from the rooftops social/political commentary, tackling the subject paths others fear to tread.

For a band who came close to throwing in the towel a few years back, The Virginmarys sound invigorated and ready to take on the world with ‘The House Beyond the Fires’, their fourth album, produced by Ally and go-to-guy Dave Draper.

The picked chords and sweeping strings of cinematic opener ‘White Knuckle Ride’ creates atmosphere in the same way ‘Ends Don’t Mend’ closed the debut album ‘King Of Conflict’ over a decade ago. Intentionally or not, maybe The Virginmarys have come full circle in that time? Sonically at least the duo retain all the fire and energy of a band on their first record. The big riffs, melodies and powerhouse beats remain as solid as the friendship of singer/guitarist Ally Dickaty and drummer Danny Dolan. 

‘The House Beyond the Fires’ is a viscous snarling beast from beginning to end. The singles released in the lead up shine strong on first listen. ‘Northwest Coast’ with its stabbing power chords and bombastic drums is full of northern grit and bleak desperation, like a band teetering on the edge, pulling the pin from a musical hand-grenade with their teeth. It’s glorious. 

Second single and second track on the album ‘There Ain’t No Future’ is quite possibly the best rock song of the year. If MTV was still a music channel, that striking video would be on heavy rotation, it’s a song that should be a standard on rock radio right now. Punchy as fuck, both lyrically and musically. And most recently ‘When The Light’s Go Down’, with its hi hat count and crunchy riff is about as AC/DC as you get in 2024, but the infectious melody and songwriting suss of Ally takes it to a different place entirely. The duo weave their sonic tapestry to great effect, creating dark atmospheres with urgent rhythms, effect-ridden guitars and clever use of space.

Elsewhere, ‘You’re A Killer’ is dark and edgy, punky goodness, ‘Trippin’ New York City’ is a funky curveball with killer dynamics and guitars that are sloppy as fuck, right up my street.

The intensity builds song after song culminating mid-album with the acerbic ‘Lies Lies Lies’ a brutal assault on the senses that just makes you wanna turn it up and turn it on. 

Ally is one of those songwriters that has a knack of creating imagery in his songs and putting you in a certain mind frame, ‘Where Are You Now’ is a tune that does just that. The loud/quiet/loud formula is delivered with passion, emotion and angst in equal measures. The epic ‘Dance To The City’ then veers towards Trail Of Dead territory, before closer ‘Urban Seagull’ throws one last curveball. 

‘The House Beyond The Fires’ is dedicated to Danny’s father Tommy who passed away last year. He was a big inspiration to Ally in his songwriting and the boys have done him proud. 

Equal parts emotive and raging, passionate and powerful, The  Virginmarys have delivered a masterpiece with ‘The House Beyond The Fires’. A modern rock record that is up there with the best albums this year. Essential listening. 

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Split Dogs ask why does it burn?

Split Dogs ask why does it burn?

Bristol Punk Rock ‘n Rollers Split Dogs hit back with new single ‘Precious Stones’ out now via Venn Records

New album ‘Here To Destroy’ set for release on February 28th 2025 – pre-order HERE:

Listen/Buy HERE:

Rock’n’roll revivalists Split Dogs are doing things the old way and the best way. This is not a band content to sit behind laptop screens, fifteen second viral videos or digital marketing campaigns to spread their noise. No, Split Dogs are true road warriors, almost physically incapable of turning down a gig, they’ve spent the last few months playing every conceivable stage, space and venue to spread the word as they approach the release of their second album ‘Here To Destroy’, due for release February 28th via Venn Records.

And it’s working. The reputation for their own firebrand of frenzied, high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll is spreading fast and wide throughout the punk rock community and beyond and Split Dogs gigs are fast becoming eagerly anticipated events.

Today, the band follow previous singles ‘And What?’ and ‘Monster Truck’ with a brand new two-minute killer titled ‘Precious Stones.’

“The song shines a spotlight on the people that imply false authority in society based on their job title or financial position,” explains guitarist Mil Martinez. “From the obvious traffic wardens all the way up to entitled yoga instructors, nothing burns worse than being falsely reprimanded by another adult so they can attempt to assume dominance over you.”

Musically ‘Precious Stones’ drives along at a storming rate, building in power as it progresses, with singer Harry Atkins the architect of the intensity. The accompanying video conveys just that. Focused solely on Harry’s face, it’s an unflinching, uncompromising experience. 

“The precious stones video was all about intensity, and hard intent,” continues Mil. “There’s no escape, feeling like it’s just you in the room and Harry has you cornered. Relentlessly demanding that you answer the question ‘why does it burn?’

Born from the frustration of seeing music become commodified and soulless, vocalist Harry Atkins and guitarist Mil Martinez had the idea to form a band as far back as 2015, with the name ‘Split Dogs’ pulled from the classic zombie film ‘Return of the Living Dead’.

In South London, a young Martinez would hear Status Quo, Bachman Turner Overdrive and Dire Straits on the car radio while his father drove him to school. At home he would invade his older brothers’ record collection which leaned towards the harder sounds of punk and heavy metal. Meanwhile in the Black Country, Harry’s mother instilled a love of Northern Soul, Slade and rock’n’roll, with stories of nights out at Club Lafayette and family singalongs at home. According to Martinez, “Our sound is a culmination of all those early influences and, to be honest, it really shows.”

It wasn’t until 2022 that Split Dogs officially arrived on the scene with bass player Suez Boyle joining the band in 2023. Already a prominent figure in the queer punk scene, Suez played the first ever Rebellion Festival at the tender age of 16 with her band The Walking Abortions. Up until that point, drummer Chris Hugall, an old friend of Martinez and former member of ska punks Mouthwash (signed to Rancid’s label Hellcat back in the day), was only on hand to help design artwork. It wasn’t until 2024 Hugall joined the band full-time cementing the current line-up.

The raucous live shows and infectious lyrics saw the four-piece make a name for themselves among the punks of Bristol, a scene that has always welcomed LGBTQ+ and marginalised people. As word spread, so did the gigging, and soon enough Split Dogs were playing to sold out rooms in mainland Europe, eventually grabbing the attention of UK label Venn Records (Gallows, Bob Vylan, High Vis).

‘Here to Destroy’ was recorded over three days at Middle Farm Studios by producer Peter Miles. All tracks were laid straight to a 16-track reel-to-reel tape machine, no autotune, no effects pedals, no computers. To add to the music’s authenticity, the album was recorded live, with Harry singing along in a vocal booth. No cutting and pasting, just nailing takes. According to Martinez, “It was a blast! We fully immersed ourselves, sleeping in a small apartment below the studio, cooking meals and listening to Pete’s extensive record collection”.

As the album title makes clear, Split Dogs are here to destroy, but they’re also here to rebuild and remind us of music’s essence. “We’re not beholden to the digital age, we don’t want to get famous on social media, we just want to show the world that rock’n’roll is alive and well”.

Split Dogs are:

Harry Atkins – vocals (they/them)

Mil Martinez – guitar (he/him)

Chris Hugall – drums (he/him)

Suez Boyle – bass (she/her)

Catch Split Dogs live at the following dates:


05/11 Exchange Bristol w/Zeke
06/11 Water Rats, London w/Desperate Measures
16/11 Phoenix, Exeter w/Sham 69
6/12 Railway inn, Redditch 
7/12 Workman’s Cellar, Dublin
20/12 King Arther, Glastonbury 
21/12 Cavern, Exeter w/GBH
29/12 Electric Bar, Bath

2025

11/01 100 Club, w/GBH

12/01 Con Club, Lewes w/Subhumans

26/02 The Hug and Pint, Glasgow

27/02 Gullivers, Manchester

28/02 Billy Bootleggers, Nottingham

01/03 The Grace, London

02/03 Daltons, Brighton

07/03 Rough Trade, Bristol

18/03 Supersonic, Paris

20/03 Café Central, Bruxelles

21/03 La Zone, Liége

22/03 Café The Jack, Eindhoven

23/03 Poppodium Volt, Sittard

9-12/07 2000 Trees Festival

Find Split Dogs online HERE:

The RPM Online Podcast Episode 49

The RPM Online Podcast Episode 49

With another super strong line up this the first week of November we kick off with a banger from CJ Wildheart who seems to have hit on a seriously strong vein of form and ‘The Baddest Girl In The World’ kicks us off in style.

From Stockholm Devils Cigarette ‘Give It All You Got’ and a little glimpse into their debut album and maybe what it’s going to sound like.

Love Battery then give us a tour of the ‘Fuzz Factory’ before the excellent Continental Lovers tell us about the girl with the ‘Parafin Lips’ ahead of their UK tour they recently announced. Its always a good day when Scott Sorry drops new music so we’re super stoked to play ‘San Jose Sky’ from the super talented Scott Sorry.

Snarling Dogs are back with another track off their debut album this time ‘Enemy’ races out of the speakers. Hit up Drunken Sailor Records for a copy of this stunning debut album. Keeping the energy levels high we delve into the Ravagers back catalogue with ‘Just Another Rat’ before we let in those potty-mouthed punks Jonesy who are keen to play ‘Piece Of Shit’.

Following the announcement of the former Quireboys coming back with a new album they introduce ‘Foolin Yourself’ under the band name Black Eyed Sons and featuring a guest slot from Steve Conte this is a great track off an album that promises a lot.

We head off down a post Halloween route with the epic punk rock from Moron’s Moron and the B Side of their new single ‘I’m Afraid You’ll Die’ then a quick one two from Bart And The Brats with ‘Only Fair’ but not before The Budget Boozers announce ‘She Loves Me No More’, Bart hails from France and peddles a fine brand of Snot Rock.

Australias Alien Nose Job announce a ‘Bird Strike’ before we paint out nails black and corpse paint our mushes as Then Comes Silence are our cover band for the Episode with a wonderful take on The Damneds ‘Thrill Kill’.

Pinhead Gunpowder have a new album out entitled ‘Unt’ so what better time to play the title track. Royal Trux have reissued their first two albums and we chill out to ‘Junkie Nurse’ from the sophomore album ‘Untitled’.

With only two tracks left to play it would be rude not to play the brand new Spunk Volcano and the Eruptions offering ‘Giant Haystacks’ what a banging tune but to end the show we bring it down a few notches and play the brand new song from Jesse Malin and his new song ‘Argentina’ which is an emotional roller coaster to finish on. Catch you next week for more banging tunes.

Porno For Pyros – Pyrotechnics: Porno For Pyros’ Latest & Greatest (Rhino/ Warner Records)

Porno For Pyros – Pyrotechnics: Porno For Pyros’ Latest & Greatest (Rhino/ Warner Records)

When Janes Addiction first imploded Perry and Stephen Perkins formed Porno For Pyros and managed to release a couple of albums in the mid-nineties. I have to admit the first album had some very high moments but a couple of lulls and more so on the second album the highs were replaced by even more lows. I guess it’s why the band fizzled out. However, after RSD we now have Rocktober, and it would seem a whole host of reissues and so forth in the month of October so when I saw the Porno For Pyros release I had to check it out and indulge myself and reacquaint myself with the band. Firstly looking to see if ‘Packin .25’ was here but alas it’s not which is a shame but having dropped the needle on side one and ‘Pets’ breaks out I remember how good this song was. I have a faint memory of seeing the band play some enormadome with Velvet Revolver or was that Satellite Party even? Who knows (not me seemingly).

The album offers only nine songs or ten to be exact but the tenth is a remix of ‘Pets’. your two from the debut album the opener and ‘Cursed Female’ which also sounds better than I remember from the early 90s. with the rest being made up of ‘100 Ways’ and ‘ Tahitian Moon’ from the band’s follow-up album ‘Good God’s Urge’ whilst the rest are pretty decent songs to be fair with the exception of ‘The Cable Guy’ soundtrack, the only duff track here, saying that it’s not total pap but just a bit… grey, ‘Satellite Of Love’ is a Lou Reed Classic. It’s Not as good as the original at all, not even close which might be why it passed me by back in the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixe8Snxu3wo

A couple of digitally only releases pulled together here are also pretty decent songs but in the wake of the onstage Janes spat maybe Porno For Pyros isn’t quite done yet who knows unless Janes kisses and make up this could be the start of something who knows but to be fair this has a great flow to it and apart from the pretty grey version of Lou Reeds ‘Satellite Of Love’ well worth spending your pocket money on. Rocktober whatever next? Not a reunion it would seem after guitarist went to twitter to lay more heat on the beeagured frontman and his attitude and approach to music in general which were all deleted after the Janes spat. Pop stars eh whatever next one of them throws a tantrum?

Buy Here

Singles Club – November rain

Singles Club – November rain

Keeping it short and sweet. This month’s singles club is made up of a broad church of entries from raging Glam Rock to some Synth pop and the usual mix of Garage fuzz n hard rockin, one thing is for sure the digital pool of entries is never boring and we like to think we know a top tune or two so have this half dozen for starters…

Gyasi – ‘Sweet Thing’ (Alive Records) Unapologetic 70s Glam stomper from Gyasi. What a thumping beat it is too. Just the way a single should sound in 2024. Teetering around in stack heels and with a Bowie-soaked chorus it’s memorable and easy to sing along to. I expect big things from the new album when it drops and shall be shouting it out from the rooftops (or RPM HQ at least) Feb 2025 write it in your diaries kids and use your best lipstick.

Head Noise – ‘I Was A Teenage Video Nasty’ (Self Release) The brand new single ‘I Was A Teenage Video Nasty’ came out on 31st October (Obvs)! A love letter to the banned BBFC video nasty movies of the 70s/ 80s, also with b-side ‘80% Proof Apparition’ a song about people in the early 20th Century, holding seances at parties but only seeing ghosts because they are so hammered. It’s a synth throbbing slice of 80s synth scuzz but don’t be fooled by the quaint keys or gang vocals its a sleazy old school to rival SSS (or Sigue sigue Sputnk if you didn’t know) To coincide with the new single they will be releasing a LIMITED run of 7” singles on white vinyl with a special b-movie cover, inserts and label. Some bands do things properly and Head Noise certainly do that loud through a pumping PA this is the mutts nuttz.

The Briefs – ‘High Society’ (TKO Records) Been doing this for a quarter of a century The Briefs are elite top-tier punk rockers. That’s it folks in a nutshell they write banging tunes and they have the energy and suss to never put a foot wrong. Imagine that kids being that fuckin good well, that’s the Briefs. High Society is rapid with barking guitar solos and uber cool riffs and another perfect single. Released to coincide with a support tour it’s three awesome tunes. But if you think the A side or lead track is good wait til you hear ‘You Can Move Me’ in all its swaggering sleazy glory. Power Pop Punk n roll is the sound and these cats have got a tonne of swing to go with it. The final track is a rough mix of Ramones mid-paced punk rock, ‘I Gotta Go’ is cool as fuck and I hope it’s the precursor for the following long player because ‘Platinum Rats’ was awesome and the next is gonna be just as good. Buy It!

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘The Knife’ (Self Release) The latest single release from the 2024 THE CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT album “20”. The album version has this old-school almost trash metal-sounding acoustic intro but this edit comes straight in with the riff before breaking out old school with guitar noodling exploding everywhere. The band stay true to their wall of noise with big Riffs everywhere and a sonic overload CNE keep rotating the wheel not reinventing it but managing to sound fresh on every record. A top tune from a top album.

Thee Headshrinkers – ‘Sunday Driver’ (Property Of The Lost records) Buckle up kids this odd bod trio are about to head out on a garage rock scuzz outing and you’re invited along for the ride. from the album ‘Head Cheese’ this is a swaggering slab of Garage rock fuzziness with a heap of The Fall to boot it shifts through the gears very nicely and hits the breaks hard just to mess with your head. Get involved kids it’s a banger folks and the album is due in a few short weeks as well.

Gene Champagne – ‘Rock N Roll Boy’ (Rumbar Records) Sounding like a cross between ‘end-of-the-century’ Ramones and classic Boys this is an end-of-summer banger. Lifted from the album ‘Let’s Jet’ it’s got plenty of authentic swagger and a retro-tastic backbeat. Get on board boys n grrrls it’s happening. With a name like that, we raise a glass to his success and excess without his unteens this kinda tune always makes me happy.

WASP & Wildhearts set for the Mountain in 2025

WASP & Wildhearts set for the Mountain in 2025

Tickets

Steelhouse 2025 weekend early birds on sale now

2025 marks the 14th iteration of Steelhouse, a now essential fixture on the summer festival map. This first wave of announcements includes the Friday and Saturday headliners, and proves once again that Steelhouse means business. There are more artist announcements to come soon, including the Sunday night headliners!
 
Legendary LA metal outfit, W.A.S.P. led by the inimitable Blackie Lawless make their Steelhouse debut appearance with a Saturday headlining set full of classics. It will be their only 2025 UK festival appearance.
 
Re-energized Brit-rockers, The Wildhearts plan to set the festival alight with their Friday headline appearance – their first Welsh date since their re-activation.
 
As ever the headliners are supported by an incredible array of the finest talent in rock. Steelhouse can already confirm that Wolfsbane make their first trip to the mountain appearing alongside Ginger’s men on Friday whilst former Runaways icon, Lita Ford makes it a double bill of Sunset Strip star names on Saturday as special guest. Wolfsbane said, “We’re so excited about the Steelhouse Festival. We love any excuse to do a Wolfsbane show!! It’s all our original members from the first album. We will be performing big hits, and a couple of new songs from our new album ‘Genius’. Jase says playing our song ‘Steel’ at Steelhouse is PERFECT! We just can’t wait”.
 
Asomvel, Kit Trigg, Marisa & The Moths, Muddibrooke, Tailgunner, These Wicked Rivers, The Treatment and Scarlet Rebels are all set to appear and represent the cream of the contemporary UK rock scene. 
 
Tickets are on sale now. For those wanting to spread the cost, a monthly payment plan has been introduced on weekend arena tickets AND for the first time VIP upgrades have been introduced for those wanting VIP bar access, luxury facilities and other bonuses!
 
Max and Mikey say, “What a way to start! If you’re looking for artists who’ve done it their way and theirs alone then we’ve got them. 
 
“We’re delighted to have W.A.S.P. finally make their Steelhouse debut. Blackie Lawless is the definition of ‘rock star’ – trailblazer, headline maker, showman and supreme songwriter… The real deal. That show, those songs ringing out over The Mountain on Steelhouse Saturday, you’ll scream and you’ll like it!”
 
“Then there’s Lita Ford, core member of the Runaways, solo star, a true icon and if you’re looking for a true original, then look no further than Ginger Wildheart. We’re delighted he’s re-activated The Wildhearts and the first show in the Land of our Fathers is Steelhouse. Their Friday headline show promises to be an absolute assault on the senses fired of course by Ginger-grade song power”.
 
Ginger Wildheart added, “We’re going to blow your mountain up and take some of it home to harness the hard rock power. Let’s fucking have this”.
 
The Festival at the top of the mountain boasts not only the best views of any UK rock event but one of the most passionate, friendly and loyal followings. With a reputation for not only bringing in the biggest and best names from the international world of Rock, Steelhouse also understands the role it can play in throwing open its prestigious stage to the best of the new breed of bands. It all adds up to a compelling mix of classic and cutting edge Rock, old and new.
 
“So, once again let’s get ready to Rocio y Mynydd / Rock the Mountain!”